As you once requested of me...I shall rip em apart? A little mini-critique... feel free to cuss me out if I've over-stepped here, but we've talked about this before, and today I feel like doing this..... Can you guess which is my favorite? #1? Nah....while I bet it was a beautiful sight in real life these types of images rarely convey how it actually looked. I think it's because there is so much detail lost in the shadows, and while the highlights are perfectly exposed they are almost (note I said almost) burnt out. The whole image has a overly busy feel while nothing in particular catches the eye and holds it there. It's not a bad shot, and I'm sure some would love it but for me it doesn't do much.... #2 I like it! Beautiful backlighting....me being nitpicky...maybe a closer crop of one or two leaves for a better composition.... #3 I think is the favorite for me.... you know I love macros of flowers. Maybe a bit more contrast? #4 Another one of lifes favorite things... I love these fuzzy wuzzys..... technically good.... maybe a different POV? Maybe closer? or an unusual angle that makes people say WOW! Over all a great series of images.... Now that I've spewed loads of crap...feel free to tell me to f-off if I've upset you. All is just my personal opionion and does not mean I know a damn thing of what I talk about....

3&4 in this order.

Good comments Michelle - please feel free to critique anything I post. I love honesty. Having said that, most of the shots I take are just me out having fun with the camera so I'm not usually shooting for perfection. When I do try for "professional quality," I'm usually dissappointed. It's a Zen thing. I agree with Michelle on all of them but would add some of what she said on #1 to #4. I like 2 the most. I like 3 but the darn spider webs are a distraction to me. They are natural, which is cool, but still a distraction. #2, with a bit of postwork is genuine ART!

Number 2 and 3 for me. I love the lighting in two and how it makes the leaves stand out. Excellent DOF in three! Looks like it was an enjoyable walk :) Great critiquing MIchelle. I would not have taken offense had this been my work. I understand that Marshall did not ask for critiquing and that may be part of the reason you were apprehensive on giving it. However, I think a large reason for posting in here is so we can really get some constructive feedback. I come here for the photos and the tips, and enjoyed both in this thread! :) Shannon

Actually Shannon, I have often asked Michelle for critiquing here on the forum. If not here, where? It's the only time I learn, no matter whose work it is. Even these were just shots from a walk, cant say I disagree on any of the comments. I was disappointed that #1 didnt capture the total feeling and atmosphere of the place. The natural contrast is what made me take a shot there in the first place. #3 isnt a macro, just zoomed in all the way, camera positioned right on the focal edge (hand held too). As for the cattails, yep it is just a straight on shot, shot from a fair distance too. I couldnt get that closer interesting POV because of all the mud, and moccasin snake looking hiding places. The whole area was either under water or mud, and I was too chicken shyte to venture any closer. However, for some reason Ive always liked those things since I was a kid, and cant resist a show. I think after it dries out here some, Im gonna go back there and get right in the middle of them and get that shot! Thanks for the comments. I sure prefer this over the nice shot or kewl, even though sometimes those are appropriate too.

WTH is an opi-onion? That should be opinion... hehehe... at any rate, Marshall knows I love his work, and we've talked privately about critiques, so I'm pretty sure he won't mind.... but if I caught him on a bad day who knows!? I'm often hesitant to open my mouth and piss any one off, some people can be really sensitive about their work.

Is that #3 an opi-onion? Not sure I've ever seen one like this before. Looks really strange and alien. The contrast looks about right to me, but that is a highly subjective thing. Shots like #1 are always difficult. Masema seems to know the tricks involved, and can consistantly get exceptional results. I keep begging for a tutorial.

I agree with most of what is said here. Anyhow, I don't think I could've done these better given the circumstances. :-) (Gotta love #3.) (*

Fantastic! Nice to see some real Critique creeping in, what better way to learn and improve, then to get someone elses take on your work, full marks Michelle. I have often asked for a critique wanted icon to post with work, so we dont piss ppl off that just want to share their work. Perhaps the photo forum could lead the way? Asking for critique is fine but all you get is answers to the things you already feel need improvement not someone elses unprompted take on your pictures. Lets have more of it. Please. :0 )

Sorry prankpower I didnt comment on your pictures flak jacket on. LOL #1 you know what lets this down its too dark, I like the back lit tree between the two silhouetted trunks but it still need something else. Have you tried fill in flash? It might help put the detail in to the forest floor. #2 I think the light caught your eye and you just had to take the shot I feel there is just too much dead space in the frame. #3 Now this I like the out of focus background is great not distracting, the only thing that lets it down is your DOF, The flower head is just dropping out of focus. Im sure you know but its 1/3rd in focus behind your point of focus and 2/3rds in front, worth thinking about when using long or macro lenses and picking your point of focus. #4 Ive got to agree with M, you need to get closer as you say thats impossible at the MO. I do like the reads, with a long lens they would make a nice pattern picture. :0 )

Thanks for sharing your walk, Marshall, I love a good walk! I don't think I have anything extra to add to everyone's above relevant critique...I do love that macro shot! :-)>